The Christian Council of Ghana has joined growing calls for a decisive and total ban on illegal mining, commonly known as “galamsey,” citing the severe environmental damage it has caused.
Reverend Cyril Fayose, General Secretary of the Council, expressed grave concern over the threat galamsey poses to Ghana’s natural resources, particularly its water bodies, farmlands, and ecosystems.
He emphasized that immediate action is needed to address the escalating crisis, advocating for more than just temporary or reactive measures.
Fayose proposed a complete ban on small-scale mining, or at the very least, a moratorium to allow for reflection on how best to tackle the issue.
He also suggested that if small-scale mining continues, it should be restricted to community-owned enterprises to ensure responsible and sustainable practices.
